It’s healthy, tasty and adds a distinctive nutty flavor to most dishes. We list five reasons why sesame oil should find pride of place on your kitchen shelf.
1. Promotes Heart Health
Unrefined sesame oil is rich in oleic acid, which is good for cardiovascular health. It has polysaturated and unsaturated fats that help reduce cholesterol (LDL) levels, as well as prevent artery blockage.
Sesame oil is also high in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid for promoting healthy blood, arteries and nerves.
2. Reduces Blood Pressure
Cooking with sesame oil can be a natural way to control and prevent hypertension, as it contains polysaturated fats, sesamin, and sesamol, which are effective in reducing high blood pressure.
3. Controls Diabetes
The magnesium in this oil offers protection from insulin-resistance and balances sugar levels, making it an excellent healthy cooking medium for diabetics.
4. Boosts Energy
Unlike most cooking mediums, this oil doesn’t increase fat deposits in the body or leave you feeling lethargic.
It also contains zinc, which is essential for good bone health and immunity levels.
5. Prevents Cancer
Sesame oil is also said to help in the prevention of its high oxidant content.
The antioxidants present in unrefined sesame oil are beneficial as they help flush out free radicals from the body.
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Sesame Noodles
Ingredients:
½ cup spring onion greens, thinly sliced
½ tsp chilli oil
2 tbsp sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
300 g noodles
For garnishing:
Sesame seeds, toasted
Spring onion greens, sliced
Peanuts, toasted
Method:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vinegar, along with both the oils.
- Cook the noodles in water as per package instructions and drain.
- Then, immediately toss with the dressing and sliced spring onion greens until the noodles are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle garnishing ingredients and serve immediately.